Elegant Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Included arrangements prior to embarkation

Day 0: Buenos Aires

Transfer from the airport to your included pre-cruise night at a luxury hotel in the chic Argentine capital city of Buenos Aires.  

Day 1: Flight to Ushuaia & Embarkation 

Today you will join your fellow guests for the transfer to the airport. Here, you will take a charter flight of approximately 3.5 hours down the length of vast Argentina to Ushuaia, your destination.  

On arrival in the world’s most southerly city, you will be met and driven the short distance to the port, ready to embark on your elegant ship. Once safely on board and briefed for departure, you will set sail and head down the picturesque Beagle Channel. Familiarise yourself with the copious amounts of deck space and look out for your first wildlife sightings – black browed albatross are commonly spotted here. 

Day 2 & 3: At sea crossing the Drake Passage

You will be crossing the Drake Passage as you head from the tip of South America down to the Antarctic Peninsula. This is the perfect time for the ship’s large expedition team to begin preparing you for the excitement ahead. There will be a range of both practical briefings and hugely informative educational presentations.  You might have a lecture on the formation of glaciers or the history of some of the continent’s earliest explorers. Of course, there will also be talks about many of the iconic species you might spot during your voyage. 

It is also worth getting out on deck as this can be an excellent time to look for huge seabirds such as albatross and giant petrels gliding past the ship. As you reach the end of your crossing, keep an eye out for your first iceberg. 

Days 4 to 9: Exploring Antarctica

It’s time to begin exploring the incredible landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent.  Your ship is the perfect launchpad for adventure with its fleet of 24 sturdy zodiac ribs, which will allow you to disembark and explore.  You might watch penguins waddle past en route from the sea to their rookeries or crunch through the snow as you hike up to a spectacular viewpoint. The zodiacs are the ideal vehicle for spotting marine life out on the water, as you cruise quietly past spectacular sculptural icebergs in search of seals and whales.  

If you have signed up for one of the optional activities (supplementary cost for each) such as kayaking or heading below the waves for a unique submarine dive, the onboard team will be in touch to let you know further details about how and when these will take place. 

In between landings you will have plenty of time to relax and unwind on board, taking advantage of the ship’s extensive amenities.  Sit back and enjoy an educational talk by one of the naturalists, or warm up with a soak in the outdoor whirlpool. If your muscles are weary, indulge in a massage in the spa or take in the view from your private balcony. 

There is no such thing as a fixed itinerary in the polar regions. The Captain and Expedition Leader will constantly amend the plans according to the weather and ice conditions, along with taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities. Each evening you will be briefed on Plan A for the following morning, but do take this with a huge pinch of salt.

Days 10 & 11: At sea

As you traverse the waters between Antarctica and South Georgia from the comfort of your luxurious ship, spare a thought for Shackleton and his men in a tiny lifeboat on one of the most epic rescue missions of all time. 

Spend some time on deck as these waters can be a great place to spot seabirds on the wing.  The educational program will continue preparing you for the incredible sights and history of South Georgia.  This is also the perfect time to relax and explore the ship’s many social areas. 

Days 12 to 14: Exploring South Georgia

Next, you will experience one of the least-visited destinations in the world: South Georgia. Blessed with a sub-Antarctic climate and nutrient-dense seas, this is an important habitat for vast populations of wildlife, from albatross and giant petrels to fur and elephant seals. 

You will attempt landings around the islands at historic communities such as Grytviken, with its iconic Ernest Shackleton memorial, and the Salisbury Plain king penguin colony. The veteran expedition team will share intriguing factual snippets while they accompany you at the various sites and during excursions in zodiac boats.

Days 15 & 16: At sea

Continue your journey northbound as you head through wildlife-rich seas up to the blustery Falkland Islands. This is the perfect time to unwind after a busy schedule in South Georgia and to start sorting through your hundreds of king penguin photos! 

Days 17 to 19: Exploring the Falkland Islands

More landing attempts will be made on this remote archipelago. A destination steeped in maritime and military history, its coast is dotted with more than 300 shipwrecks. You will have multiple days to explore the unspoilt scenery – from sugar-white beaches to wild rocky headlands. There is also the tiny capital of Stanley, with its wealth of history and warm locals.

You are also almost guaranteed to see penguins on the Falklands: five different species outnumber humans by the tens of thousands. 

Day 20: At sea

Bid the Falklands farewell as you set sail for Ushuaia.  Your expedition team will continue to provide a fascinating program of educational talks and also wrap up with a summary of your adventures. There will also be plenty of time to relax and start processing the incredible expedition you have just had. 

Day 21: Disembarkation

This morning you will disembark the ship in Ushuaia. You will then be transferred to the airport for your included charter flight back up to Buenos Aires.  The return to civilization can be quite the shock to the system after your experience in the polar pristine landscapes..  

On arrival back into the capital, you are then free to continue with your onward travel arrangements.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.